Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Program

The number of grants made through this program, as well as the individual dollar amount awarded, are subject to sufficient annual appropriations by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor.

The Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Program provides grants to students who attend Illinois colleges for which the special collegiate license plates are available. The Illinois Secretary of State issues the license plates, and part of the proceeds are used for grants for undergraduate students attending these colleges.

Contact your college to determine if it participates in the HELP Program, to learn about specific eligibility requirements, and to determine if anything other than the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) must be submitted to apply. All HELP Program applicants must complete the FAFSA in order to determine financial need. If eligible, you may receive this grant for the equivalent of 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment.

HELP Program grants may be used only for tuition and mandatory fees for two semesters or three quarters in an academic year. Requests for summer assistance must be made separately to your college, and each is considered on an individual basis by the school.

The availability of grants is contingent on the number of license plates sold and the annual appropriation.